Chapter 4 (4) Meeting the Prefect, a Hero Saves a Beauty
Lianzhi followed the crowd back to Chunfeng Tower. He had escaped secretly today. The guards of the Liangzhou prefect sent someone to tell the Chunfeng Tower's steward to keep an eye on him. He was not allowed to sneak away before meeting the noble, and no outsiders were allowed to see him.
If he truly obeyed and was controlled by others, he wouldn't be himself. He had dared to act rebelliously under the noses of the Empress Dowager and the imperial clan, let alone a mere brothel manager. Lianzhi changed her clothes, pried open the window, and slipped out. Even if she was caught sooner or later, she should let them know that she wasn't so easy to control.
More importantly, he had to go see Bai Kang. That annoying guard had actually come to Liangzhou, and seemed to be doing quite well. I heard he'd even risen to the position of Shangshu. He'd been dead for three years, despised and slandered, yet all those annoying people were still living so well. How ridiculous.
Lianzhi walked through the main entrance and up to the second floor. He found the steward standing at the end of the corridor, looking at him coldly. He was not afraid. He walked over with a smile and said openly, "I'm back."
"You... you bastard!" The steward really wanted to grab him and give him a good beating. God knows how scared he was when he came to deliver food in the morning and found that the person was missing and the window was open. He felt like his soul was flying out of his body. What if Lianzhi never came back? What if the prefect got a letter and blamed him? His life would be in danger!
But he was thankful that Lianzhi had come back. Considering his priceless face, the steward didn't say anything harsh, only saying, "Glad you're back! Hurry up and get ready. The prefect and the nobleman will be coming to our Chunfeng Tower tonight. Do you remember what the prefect said?"
"I remember," Lianzhi waved his hand, entered the room, and slammed the door shut without waiting for the steward to come in. He recalled the prefect's request for him to win over the nobleman and sighed.
I wonder who it is from the capital. Who would come to Liangzhou? He is in a high position and has great power... The faces of several old men in the court flashed through his mind, and he felt a little worried about himself.
Who among those who served him in the past, regardless of gender, was not beautiful and youthful? Even the promotion of close ministers was based on appearance. And... although she still hated that annoying Bai Kang, Lianzhi had to admit that Bai Kang was the most handsome and handsome of all the imperial guards around him.
Now, let him please the old man?
Let's just die together. He has died once anyway, so he doesn't mind dying again.
Lianzhi sighed as he lay in bed, feeling the roughness of the bedding and the hardness of the pillow. Even though he had been in Liangzhou for several months and had barely adapted to the poor environment, he still felt that he had been greatly wronged.
The prefect said that after the matter was completed, he would promise him ten thousand taels of gold. Furthermore, the nobleman also liked him and would definitely give him whatever he wanted. Lianzhi felt that the prefect and a minor official together could not afford to give much.
But it will always be better than now.
He dawdled for a long time until someone knocked on the door again. Without waiting for an answer, they pushed it open and entered. Several servants, bearing new clothes and a dressing box, came in and saluted him. To his surprise, the person bringing them in was another popular figure in Chunfeng Tower, the actor Yuqiao, who had always disliked him.
"Hurry up and dress up our courtesan." Yuqiao shouted in a somewhat affected voice as soon as he came in. Lianzhi was not used to his words and frowned, "What are you doing?"
"The steward asked me to keep an eye on you and get you dressed to welcome the distinguished guests." Yuqiao said, and then asked the people around him to grab Lianzhi and force him to change his clothes. Lianzhi was already annoyed by him and broke away from them: "You are not needed in that case. Take your people out."
"You're still being rude to me. Do you think you're so great just because you've hooked up with a noble man?" Yuqiao's tone became even more impatient.
He believed he was young and talented, and should have been the most respected person in Chunfeng Tower. But a few months ago, Lianzhi appeared out of nowhere. She looked no more beautiful than him, and her temper was equally bad. Suddenly, she became famous and became the most sought-after person in Chunfeng Tower, instantly overshadowing him. How could he not resent her?
Why is this Lianzhi so arrogant, yet still sought after by everyone? She can avoid seeing people she doesn't like, and doesn't have to curry favor with the powerful. She can even become the most popular courtesan in Chunfeng Tower just by sitting upstairs and playing the piano with sounds like plucking cotton every day?
He didn't know who Lianzhi looked like, but he felt it was unfair and wanted to scratch Lianzhi's face. He said such harsh words several times, but Lianzhi didn't care, like a punch on cotton.
Lianzhi dodged a few times but stopped dodging, not knowing whether it was because it was too much trouble or because, after weighing the pros and cons, she felt she couldn't beat so many people. Yuqiao saw him sitting quietly at the table, letting someone help him change his clothes, feeling proud but also even more annoyed.
Why did you give in so quickly?
Are you really going to receive an important guest? Aren't you usually very arrogant?
He looked at the depressed Lianzhi and said sarcastically, "Are you accepting your fate now?"
Lianzhi looked at him expressionlessly.
"Your good luck ends here." Yuqiao sat beside his bed and said sarcastically, "I heard that the nobleman is over fifty, has a big belly, and is ugly, uglier than many noblemen I've seen before. You used to be very picky and only played the piano for handsome people, and now you still have to give it to..."
Before he could finish, Lianzhi stood up and asked in a panic, "Really?"
"Of course." He showed a panic expression. Yuqiao became even more proud and added more exaggerations.
Lianzhi couldn't quite recall which official in the capital was as ugly as he described, but he imagined he wasn't very good-looking. He hated ugly people the most, let alone this man, who was probably both ugly and lustful, with a bad character.
Let him die. He is an orphan now anyway, so it is better for him to die early and be reborn into a good family.
With this thought, Lianzhi pushed aside the people around him, climbed up the window and was about to jump down. It was already getting dark, and he couldn't see the ground clearly, but he was going to die, so he didn't care. He ignored the screams of Yuqiao and the servants, gritted his teeth, and jumped -
"I didn't realize that you two gentlemen had come all this way. This is my fault. I will drink a glass of wine as punishment!"
The prefect's residence was ablaze with lights, illuminating the entire hall with a splendid atmosphere, almost like daylight. Throughout the feast, the sound of stringed instruments lingered incessantly, with musicians playing zithers, flutes, and drums. The prefect then ordered a feast of delicious food to be served before Bo Kang and Chang Yuzhu.
Before they arrived, they had felt that a prefect who neglected his duties and ignored the people was unworthy of his position. They had thought that this prefect would be a bloated, uncouth man, but upon meeting him tonight, they found him to be quite young, with an extraordinary bearing and measured manners. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a young talent.
They tentatively asked a few questions about the situation in the city, but the prefect evaded them with excuses. His answers were very skillful and flawless. Chang Yuzhu didn't know how to write a letter of complaint to his father and grandfather.
But it is impossible to say that the governor of Liangzhou was unaware of the current situation in the city and was unaware of the drought.
It could only be that this person is too thoughtful.
Bai Kang asked a few more questions, asking Chang Yuzhu to write them down and look for any mistakes. The prefect waved his hand and said, "Since you two have come with great difficulty, let's not discuss this today. Let's just drink. To welcome you, I have specially brought out some fine wines from my collection for you to taste."
Bai Kang looked at the maid serving wine before him with an unfathomable gaze. The Liangzhou prefect immediately excused himself, saying, "Although I was sent from outside the capital, I understand the hardships faced by the people of Liangzhou. I have always been frugal in my daily life, but to greet you two gentlemen, I would be disrespectful if I were too modest."
Bai Kang smiled, picked up his glass, and drank it all in one gulp. He took a few sips, pretending to be drunk. He stopped asking about Liangzhou's affairs and instead asked about the prefect's family affairs. Seeing their attitudes become more relaxed, the prefect gradually let down his guard.
After finishing a pot of wine and eating half of the dishes, Chang Yuzhu was truly drunk and collapsed on the table. Bai Kang, a good drinker, didn't get drunk, but he also collapsed. Suddenly, the Liangzhou prefect said mysteriously, "Your Excellency's reputation is far-reaching. I have known this for a long time and I truly admire you. I know what you desire most in your heart, and I offer it to you today."
Um?
Is the fox's tail finally going to be revealed?
Bai Kang narrowed his eyes at him and didn't respond. The Liangzhou prefect ordered his attendants to prepare the carriage and said, "Please, my lords, please come with me. I promise you will like it."
Bai Kang staggered to his feet and followed him into the carriage, his hand resting imperceptibly on the scabbard. Chang Yuzhu beside him was already fast asleep, even snoring. He felt a little helpless, but the Liangzhou prefect's eyes weren't on Chang Yuzhu.
He probably thought that although Chang Yuzhu came from an aristocratic family, he was only a minor official, so there was no need to bother with flattery. His vision was narrow enough. Bai Kang leaned against the car window, pretending to sleep, but actually paying attention to the scenery along the way.
The carriage passed through the dark streets and suddenly came to a place with red lanterns. He got off the carriage and found that the surroundings were all like red lanterns. He already had an idea in his mind.
It is again his Ministry of Rites' responsibility.
When the people sent by the court arrive, they will investigate this building, the building next to it, and the building behind it!
Bai Kang had already thought of the punishment, but he didn't show it on his face. He dragged Chang Yuzhu along with him and followed the Liangzhou prefect. The Liangzhou prefect took him upstairs and just said to continue drinking.
The drowsy Chang Yuzhu suddenly sat up and said, "Drink! Keep drinking!" After that, he lay down again.
Bai Kang had a few drinks and then excused himself, saying he was too drunk and needed to go out for a while. The Liangzhou prefect smiled and nodded, and he knew there must be someone sent by the prefect nearby. After circling the brothel a few times and roughly memorizing its location, Bai Kang was about to return when he heard a quarrel overhead.
It didn't seem like an ordinary quarrel between a customer and a waiter. Bo Kang looked up and was startled.
A young man in a blood-red robe swayed precariously on the window frame. His long hair was untidy, and the corners of his eyes were stained with rouge, which had been smeared only twice, making his skin pale and his lips bright red. Noticing someone under the window, his bright, round eyes suddenly widened, and he shouted again, "Get out of the way! Get out of the way!"
What a familiar voice.
It's a daytime person.
So, that young boy was actually from Chunfeng Tower? Why did he jump down? Bai Kang pondered in his heart, his feet already uncontrollably running to the window, ready to catch him. Seeing that he not only did not hide, but also dared to run towards him, the boy became a little anxious: "It will hit you!"
This Bai Kang is so nosy that he even comes to save people!
He's going to ruin his plans again!
Yuqiao and the servant rushed over to pull him back. Lianzhi was so anxious that he didn't care about anything else and jumped down. He didn't die, but fell firmly into someone's arms. The man's arms were strong and powerful, holding him up and placing him on the ground.
He was not wearing shoes and was barefoot.
Bo Kang only took a glance, then looked away, his tone stiff: "Why are you seeking death?"
During the day, he had seen the young man dressed well and thought he was the young master of a wealthy family. Could it be that he was from a brothel? In an instant, many speculations flashed through Bai Kang's mind, wondering if he had been separated from his relatives and was captured.
His younger brother is also around the same age. If they get separated...
Bai Kang felt a surge of sympathy in his heart: "What's going on? Don't be afraid, I can help you."
Lianzhi was in a state of confusion. He thought that if Bo Kang saw his face, he would definitely recognize him. That was why he wore a veil during the day.
Didn't you recognize him? Even if you didn't recognize him, wouldn't you think he looked like someone?
Lianzhi didn't know whether to say she was disappointed or happy. Seeing that Bai Kang seemed to have misunderstood something, his eyes rolled and tears instantly flowed down. This frightened Bai Kang, and he asked, "What has wronged you? Tell me, I will take care of it for you."
"I, I'm a young actress in Chunfeng Tower. You don't need to worry about me." Lianzhi sobbed. He looked innocent and pitiful, and Bo Kang didn't realize he was pretending to cry. Lianzhi changed the subject, "But Chunfeng Tower actually forced me to receive a noble. That noble is older than my grandfather... I refused, and they scolded me. I couldn't stand it anymore, so I ran away."
If I could get close to Bo Kang...
It seemed Bai Kang didn't recognize him. Given his penchant for standing up for the weak, he would definitely help him. It would be even better if he could take him back to the capital. Even if he were to abandon him, it would be better than suffering in Liangzhou City. If Bai Kang couldn't recognize him due to poor eyesight, he could stay with Bai Kang and continue to torment him.
What a good plan, what a good plan. Lianzhi, impressed by her own cleverness, covered her face with her sleeves and continued to cry. Only her large, watery eyes were visible, and the red veil made her skin look even paler, making her look timid and innocent.
Bo Kang also took the bait. He said, "Run now, I'll hold you up. Run far away so they don't catch you."
ah?
Why is it different from what he thought? Shouldn't he offer to redeem him? Lianzhi paused for a moment and said, "I wonder if you can redeem me..."
So that's what he meant. Without a second thought, Bo Kang nodded and agreed, "Okay. Take me with you to find someone." It was just a matter of redeeming one person, no matter how expensive it was, he could afford it. Besides, he had saved this young man today, and he had made this request, so he couldn't just abandon him.
As expected, he agreed. Lianzhi had mixed feelings, but she still decided to take him to see the steward. Although it was spring, the night was still cold. He was only wearing a thin layer of clothing and no shoes, and his feet were freezing. Bo Kang also noticed it. Thinking of this young man, about the same age as his brother, who had suffered so much, he was kind enough to carry Lianzhi on his back.
Lianzhi was stunned.
Back in the palace, when Bo Kang was first assigned to be with him, he had carried him on his back like this. He must have been only sixteen at the time, and Bo Kang took great care of him.
But in the end…
He shook his head, then lay on Bai Kang's back, guiding him. He went upstairs and arrived outside the steward's room. Before he could knock on the door, the steward had already opened it. When he saw Bai Kang, his face changed drastically: "Lianzhi, have you forgotten the prefect's instructions?"
Bo Kang frowned.
The prefect's instructions? Is there really something wrong with it?
"I want to redeem him." Bai Kang said, and was about to take out the silver when the steward suddenly laughed at him. Behind him, several big men stood up, grabbed Lianzhi and dragged her into the house. Bai Kang had not expected this, and wanted to snatch her back, but the door was already half closed. The steward stood in front of him and laughed at him, "Redeem him? Do you know who he is? You..."
He looked Bai Kang up and down. Bai Kang was dressed simply today, and although he wore a waist badge, the steward, not knowing his true identity, thought he was just a minor official. He said, "Our young man is the most beautiful courtesan in Chunfeng Tower. Others might spend a fortune and still not even be able to see him. You think you can redeem him? Dream on!"
After saying that, he slammed the door shut. Bo Kang was standing close enough that the door almost hit his face. He could faintly hear a few cries of "Help me!" from inside the room, but they were indistinct.
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